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Today's topics: * Fw : Fight against Racism - 1 messages, 1 author http://groups.google.com/group/BM_discussion/browse_thread/thread/37526befed5ae70a * Fw : 26 Jan 06 - Republic Day Stock Taking - 1 messages, 1 author http://groups.google.com/group/BM_discussion/browse_thread/thread/4b262f795e3a3390 * Fwd: Farmers in AP return to organic farming - 1 messages, 1 author http://groups.google.com/group/BM_discussion/browse_thread/thread/98dc1725ad5bed6a * service from some retiered personnels - 1 messages, 1 author http://groups.google.com/group/BM_discussion/browse_thread/thread/fbca052da46e06 ============================================================================== TOPIC: Fw : Fight against Racism http://groups.google.com/group/BM_discussion/browse_thread/thread/37526befed5ae70a ============================================================================== == 1 of 1 == Date: Fri, Jan 27 2006 6:35 pm From: Moderator BhartUdayMission Dear Harshadji, We appreciate your concern. We would like you to please join http://groups.google.com/group/BM_discussion group . The main group is meant for important things of BM concerning all members. For details about criterions http://f3.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/UAHFQ6n_mgs0jblBqyVRnSBDBBzYsDn25xY97DKK5f9Sfo2Nn2DeBIOCq7yaup_q7fqS7PfBOfbAHXh2UrppiA/Organization/Mail%20Moderation%20Criteria Thanks and Regards, Moderators ** *Atleast we can try to educate people and migth be one in hundred wud agree.. I wudnt stop trying .. if u wish plz pass it on .... * *God Blesses everyone equally!! * Im sure many of you watched the recent taping of the Oprah Winfrey show where her guest was Tommy Hilfiger. On the show, she asked him if the statements about race he was accused of saying were true. Statements like* "..."If Id known African-Americans, Hispanics, Jewish * *a** nd** ** Asians would buy my clothes, I would not have made them so nice. I** **wish** ** these people would *NOT* buy my clothes, as they are made for upper ** **class** * *white people."** ** His answer to Oprah was a simple "YES". Where after she immediately ** **asked** **him to leave her show.** * My suggestion? Dont buy your next shirt or perfume from Tommy Hilfiger. Lets give him what he asked for. Lets not buy his clothes, lets put him in a financial state where he himself will not be able to afford the ridiculous prices he puts on his clothes. BOYCOTT. PLEASE SEND THIS MESSAGE TO ANYONE YOU KNOW. FIGHT AGAINST RACISM. * The following scene took place on a BA flight between **Johannesburg and* *London . A white woman, about 50 years old, was seated next to a black* *man.** Obviously disturbed by this, she called the air Hostess. "Madam, what is the matter," the hostess asked. "You obviously do not see it then?" she responded. "You placed me next to a black man. I do not agree to sit next to someone from such a repugnant group. Give me an alternative seat." "Be calm please," the hostess replied. "Almost all the places on this flight are taken. I will go to see if another place is available." The Hostess went away and then came back a few minutes later. "Madam, just as I thought, there are no other available seats in the economy class. I spoke to the captain and he informed me that there is also no seat in the business class. All the same, we still have one **p**lace** in the first class." Before the woman could say anything, the hostess continued: "It is not usual for our company to permit someone from the economy class to sit in the first class. However, given the circumstances, the captain feels that it would be scandalous to make someone sit next to someone so disgusting." She turned to the black guy, and said, "Therefore, Sir, if you would like to, please collect your hand luggage, a seat awaits you in first class." At that moment, the other passengers who were shocked by what they had just witnessed stood up and applauded. This is a true story.** * *Do u know who was this blank man it was none other then nelson mandela * * If you are against racism, please send this message to all your ** **f** riends.** Please do not delete it without sending it to at least one person* -- "We have only one Passsion' The Rise of a Great Nation." ============================================================================== TOPIC: Fw : 26 Jan 06 - Republic Day Stock Taking http://groups.google.com/group/BM_discussion/browse_thread/thread/4b262f795e3a3390 ============================================================================== == 1 of 1 == Date: Fri, Jan 27 2006 7:17 pm From: Moderator BhartUdayMission Fwded Msg---- Dear Pramodji, Please join http://groups.google.com/group/BM_discussion group and make your concern known through that. The main group is meant for important things of BM concerning all members. For details about criterions http://f3.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/UBnaQ1PcnUIxo81Uf7TR2mCgXL7OEUwR91krlazfy6z46z-l9ovJJ3-D1T4LNv02T6TCJQHdtbAWCh47z3p3VA/Organization/Mail%20Moderation%20Criteria Thanks, Moderators ============== Well done CNN IBN for the excellent program on Nationalism - superb & just the right people there. With Humayun memorial as the backdrop. After Lagaan - Rang de Basanthi is magnetic, from the clipping seen. Yet again, brings forth what our lovable Motherland is all about. Thank God, upright around us, play an awesome excellent role in society. Unbending. Had the good fortune to spend over 5 hrs with 3 of them in pleasant surroundings yesterday. There is more than keenness' to know what is under the scanner in People's Action, nnfi, URJA, Probe, Karamyog & Electoral corrections. Each put forth their contribution to a Re - Built India, how to make it happen, the utmost desire to leave it worthwhile for GenNext. People still do not know that its OK & permitted to use the National flag as a coat lapel - pinned. Readily, they came forward in support to express Nationalism. Mundane matters - All below, Without prejudice: - Buta reigns - UPA stumped, bowled & being caught! - Q episode too. - Neera Yadav - permission granted to bring to book. How long will this take? - As always, we are guilty & v much lacking in the response time for punishing the wrong doers - In each above also. As well as- Court stays demolition's for 18 months in Mumbai outskirts. Why? - will this reprieve, deferment provide time to rehabilitate! - will the State Govt be proactive - will it right away punish the building contractors & within sarkar who connived. People do not have faith, this is an unhappy situation - tackle, address strongly, discipline not by talk but with corrective actions - like never before - is what people desire. - Educated passionate about improvements do not know where to begin, spend hours spelling out - talking of the wrongs all around, it only helps to observe & experience. Corrections though only happen when one joins / starts a Group of like minded - is that happening! - at nnfi we believe & support, share equitably all which is apolitical & corrective - we are committed to do it everyday & now we are a large Group reaching out to 1000's & 1000's - do not be a fence sitter but lets Get Together for India - some submissions for your kind indulgence - promod -- "We have only one Passsion' The Rise of a Great Nation." ============================================================================== TOPIC: Fwd: Farmers in AP return to organic farming http://groups.google.com/group/BM_discussion/browse_thread/thread/98dc1725ad5bed6a ============================================================================== == 1 of 1 == Date: Fri, Jan 27 2006 7:24 pm From: Moderator BhartUdayMission Fwded Msg---- Dear Jagannathji, Please join http://groups.google.com/group/BM_discussion group and make your concern known through that. The main group is meant for important things of BM concerning all members. For details about criterions http://f3.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/UBnaQ1PcnUIxo81Uf7TR2mCgXL7OEUwR91krlazfy6z46z-l9ovJJ3-D1T4LNv02T6TCJQHdtbAWCh47z3p3VA/Organization/Mail%20Moderation%20Criteria Thanks, Moderators ============== Return to Organic Cotton & Avoid the Bt-Cotton Trap *No more debt, pesticides and suicides for Indian cotton farmers who avoid Bt-cotton and regain livelihood, health, independence and peace of mind with organic methods * *Rhea Gala <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>* reports from Andhra Pradesh The green revolution turning full circle *In the fertile regions of Andhra Pradesh (AP) 'white gold' monocultures of the high yielding hybrids of 'Green Revolution' cotton had turned the state into the pesticide capital of the world even before the advent of genetically modified (GM) Bt cotton. Now, however, the revolution is turning full circle as more and more farmers are opting for low input organic methods that are healthier and economically far more rewarding.* Non-governmental organisations such as the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, Modern Architects of Rural India, the Permaculture Association of India, the Sarvodaya Youth Organisation and Oxfam are working in many villages to promote and train small and marginal farmers in non-pesticide management (NPM) of cotton leading to organic production in the third year of uptake. This initiative comes against a historical backdrop of government support for high chemical input cotton production at national and at state level that has sent the wrong messages to farmers. GM cotton is now falsely promoted as the answer to reducing the scourge of proliferating pesticide use, and is one of many reasons farmers are succumbing to the pressure to grow GM cotton. How AP became the 'Pesticide Capital of the World' Many of the cotton varieties once grown with a diversity of food crops were swept aside and lost during the 1970s and 80s when the high yielding varieties (HYVs) of the Green Revolution arrived, and the irrigation infrastructure developed. These HYVs are expensive hybrids that have to be purchased every year from seed dealers and nurtured with further expensive inputs of fertiliser and pesticide, being far more vulnerable to pests and the vagaries of the weather than the hardy local varieties that they had replaced. Farmers initially saw the system of industrial production as timesaving and requiring far less knowledge of soils and pests; however it soon proved to be a relentless treadmill. It degraded the soil, depleted scarce water resources and proliferated cotton pests beyond the farmers' worst nightmares, as both yield and profit progressively diminished. Pest resistance and distortion of natural predator communities necessitated galloping applications of the most toxic chemicals. Some 55 percent of all pesticides used globally are on cotton, more in AP than anywhere else in the world. GM cotton hybrids, far from being the solution to proliferating pesticide use, will actually accelerate this trend. Indeed, many poor farmers and labourers can be seen with their pesticide back-packs moving backward and forwards along the rows of cotton through a haze of spray, with no protective mask or clothing. These farmers are very aware of the problems of pesticides, and many thousands of them are killed either passively through poisoning or actively through suicide when their crops fail. Why organic cotton farming makes sense Mr MD Amzad Ali of Sarvodaya Youth Organisation, Mr G Raja Shekar of the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, Hyderabad, and Mr Y Kambaram of Modern Architects of Rural India introduced me to farmers who have been practising NPM cotton production and had moved on to organic cotton production after two years. By making and applying their own natural fertiliser they were able to access a high quality premium of 200 rupees per quintal (1 quintal = 100kg) at a price of around Rs1900/q. The NPM system was started in 1997 by MARI and attracted farmers because of microcredit available to them and the low investment needed for seed and other natural inputs such as cow dung and urine mixture and neem seed that were available locally. The farmers and NGOs organised four local cooperatives of between 100 and 500 farmers that soon became self-sufficient and able to pay their way in the local market, adding substantially to the local economy. Farmers who complete the five year programme - of two NPM years followed by three organic years - become trainers and role models for new entrants. Tookya Niak knew farmers who planted GM Bt cotton that failed and committed suicide, and decided to try the NPM method himself. Now in his second year, he stressed that the low investment required will almost certainly lead to a profit, and that farming had become virtually free from stress as his debt was minimal. He was confident that his variety was hardy and dependable and that he could remove most pests during the early immobile stages in their life cycle through his skill in selecting an effective deterrent. He also no longer worried about the health of his young family, and expected that his yield would rise as his soil improved and insect communities reached a natural balance. He was still expecting about seven quintals per acre on his poor red soil. Indeed Niak had become such a beacon in his community that the village has been renamed after him and the NPM credo written on the walls in the village square to counter the pro Bt cotton posters found everywhere. His positive appraisal of the NPM method and its advantages were confirmed by all the other farmers that we questioned. Recreating the natural balance of predators and pests The skill of managing pests without recourse to synthetic pesticide requires knowledge of life cycle and behaviour, vigilance, an armoury of pest specific deterrents, and a healthy community of natural predators of pests. To control pests such as the spotted bollworm, American bollworm, tobacco caterpillar, pink bollworm, aphids, jassids, thrips, white fly and mites, each of which is capable of causing between 30 and 50 percent damage to a crop, natural predators are the most effective year after year. For example trichogramma, a tiny parasitic wasp, lays its eggs in the eggs of the American bollworm that soon die; bracon, another parasitic wasp, lays its eggs in bollworm larvae. Hoverfly larvae feed on aphids; pirate bugs feed on bollworm larvae, and big eyed bugs feed on bollworm larvae and white fly. Chrysopa, a lacewing, feeds on bollworm caterpillars and sucking pests; ladybird beetles and larvae feed on aphids and deter *Spodoptera. * Ground beetles and dragonflies feed generally on crop pests, and robber flies, predatory wasps and red tree ants steal bollworm larvae for the young in their nests. Preying mantis and spiders are also predators of cotton pests; as are many insectivorous birds for which perches are erected throughout the crop. Mechanical and chemical aids to pest reduction include pheromone, light, kerosene, water, and yellow and white coated grease traps that are laid within the crop as a particular pest proliferates. Castor plants are grown that capture tobacco caterpillar eggs and marigolds that capture American bollworm allow these pests to be 'nipped in the bud'. Specific pests may be sprayed with a mixture of fermented cattle dung and urine that also add micronutrients that help wilt and other diseases. Neem seed kernel extract, chilli/ ginger/ garlic extract, a tobacco decoction and jaggari solution, made from the residue of sugar cane, are used to deter a variety of destructive insects. Unlike the use of pesticides, none of these biological/organic control methods will lead to pest resistance or harm the environment; instead, they serve to restore the ecological balance and to increase the farmers' health, profit, knowledge and independence. Organic farmers regain full independence The third year of the NPM programme is the organic stage of cotton production, and is run by Oxfam. Oxfam has accessed a traditional Tamil Nadu non-hybrid variety called surabhi from the Central Institute of Cotton Research in Coimbatore. This variety has an excellent staple length and is therefore popular with buyers. It also has resistance to both pests and diseases such as bacterial leaf blight, and grows well in conditions similar to those in AP. Moreover, the surabhi seed costs Rs130 per acre, as opposed to Rs450 per acre for hybrid cotton and Rs1600+ per acre for GM Bt cotton. It will give a standard yield of 3 to 4 quintals per acre in poor conditions, though in good conditions last year, it yielded 8 quintals per acre. More importantly, it yields viable seed that puts seed control back in the farmers' hands, allowing them to retain and propagate the line; an unusual benefit in this age of hybrids. So with freely available local fertilisers such as tank silt, vermicompost and green manure, and cheap natural pest control inputs, a profit from the crop is almost inevitable, giving peace of mind to the farmer, who can repay any debt to the cooperative for lending to new members. Research backs up the case for NPM and organic cotton* * A report entitled *Bt cotton vs. Non Pesticidal Management of cotton: Findings of a study by the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture 2004-05* compares Bt and NPM cotton in AP. It reports conclusively that Bt cotton is more prone to pests and diseases and that beneficial insects are more prevalent on NPM cotton. It also reports that the cost of pest management of Bt cotton is 690 percent higher than in NPM farming systems and that seed cost of Bt cotton is 355 percent higher than conventional varieties ('Organic cotton beats Bt Cotton in India' *SiS <http://www.i-sis.org.uk/isisnews.php>* 27<http://www.i-sis.org.uk/isisnews.php>). Madhavi, who works for Oxfam on this programme, told me that in Maharashtra, Karnataka and other Indian states, there is a culture of organic agriculture, and she is currently talking to local officials to promote organic production in colleges and research institutes in AP and to familiarise local farmers with this lost tradition. The greatest triumph for organic cotton happened when the AP Minister of Agriculture Mr Raghuveera Reddy got the failed Monsanto cotton hybrids - Mech-12 Bt, Mech-162 Bt and Mech-184 Bt - banned in the state in May 2005, and is now supporting the expansion of the NPM programme since witnessing its success in the village of Punukula ('Organic Cotton Beats Bt Cotton in India' *SiS <http://www.i-sis.org.uk/isisnews.php>* 27<http://www.i-sis.org.uk/isisnews.php> ). Madhavi added that the multinational companies have corrupted seed dealers who gain a much larger profit on each drum of Bt seed sold than non-Bt seed, and although the Bt crop looks destined to fail again this year, most illiterate farmers, through wishful thinking, have believed the hype of the profiteers. They remain caught in a cycle of debt, pesticide and despair. But the transition to organic cotton has been very successful where implemented and Oxfam is seeking to give more farmers this sustainable option and will expand its programme to other crops, including rice, in the near future. This is the opportunity that small farmers need to avoid falling into the Bt cotton trap, and return to autonomy and financial independence. "Our ideal is not the spirituality that withdraws from life but the conquest of life by the power of the spirit." - Aurobindo. -- "We have only one Passsion' The Rise of a Great Nation." ============================================================================== TOPIC: service from some retiered personnels http://groups.google.com/group/BM_discussion/browse_thread/thread/fbca052da46e06 ============================================================================== == 1 of 1 == Date: Fri, Jan 27 2006 3:37 pm From: "Harshad" Dear Brothers and Sisters, Jai Hind. BM is at a young stage and it needs support from fellow Indians. If we ask some retiered teachers and proffessors to come with BM members to the villages to teach the fellow student in villages as a voluntary service, once or twice a week, it would come handy in our model village project. Secondly, If we ask retiered sportsperson(national\International Level) to come with BM members to the villages and give tips to fellow players out there, it would help them as they would get tips from experienced players and would develope them into nice players which would contribute to out motherland in coming future. For this you can contact players like Bishan Singh Bedi Sir (founder of Bishan Bedi Cricket Coaching Trust and former Indian Captain)who is keen to give his services to young players in villages and who organises a camp for these people every year, etc. answer me Your Brother Harshad Gupta Varanasi ============================================================================== You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "BM_discussion" group. 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